How do I deal with people telling me not to put my son on meds for adhd?

Question

My son has ADHD and a lot of people I know are putting me down for turning to meds. My son will not make it in school with out it. Even my mother in law has said she does not like it! I just dont know what to say to these people anymore! His doc told me this is his only chance at a normal 5 year olds life.

Answer 1

do what i did. screw the world. ur his mom. my son takes ritalin and it is the only way he can function. he is now 8. he has beeen on it since he was 6. i say put him on the meds. mom always knows whats best for there baby

Answer 2

They tell you it's bad for a reason. ADHD meds are the same thing sold on the street as speed, meth, Ice... you get the picture.

There is a direct correlation between early use of Ritalin, Dexedrine, Dextrostat and similar to teen and adult abuse and addiction to methamphetamine.

You can choose normal now and crack head later, or you can keep him off meds and put in a lot of hard work to keep him on track now and give him a chance at a real life later.

I have a negative view of ADHD meds and addictive street drugs but I am generally pro-drug and enjoy non-addictive drugs recreationaly. The difference is that I was taught from an early age to respect their power and control my usage. When a kid is taught that they cannot function with out an addictive drug then it may at some point become a problem and the meds may at some point become the focus of their life instead of a tool to focus on life.

Answer 3

My son has ADHD and I get the same reactions you do, and the one thing I can tell you is, if the medicine is helping your son focuse in school. Then your doing hte right thing, just tell everyone that you are his mother and you know what is best. You want to see him do well in school. My son knows he needs his medicine and when other kids are uncontrollable my sone will make the comment he needs some of my medicine. They are good kids they just need some medicine to keep them on the right track in school. My son is 7 and has been on the meds for 1 1/2. He does great in school now A honor roll.

Answer 4

People who put you down for giving your son meds to treat his ADHD have not had to live with a child with the disorder. You don't have to defend your decision to anyone. Simply tell people who offer their opinion, "Thank you for your opinion." and then change the subject. Avoid discussing your son, his behavior, and his treatment with anyone. He is now 5 and probably does not pay much attention to what you say about him to others, but as he gets older this will affect his self-esteem and he will hate that you talk about him to other people. Respect his privacy by keeping this issue between you, your husband, and him (and his teacher when he goes to school). ADHD has been seriously misdiagnosed and children have been treated with medication when they really don't need it, but children with true ADHD can benefit greatly from medication. If you, your spouse, and your son's doctor are in agreement as to the course of treatment that will benefit your son, then that is the most important thing. What people think and say to you can be painful, but the knowledge that you are doing what's best for your son will soothe the pain.

Answer 5

OK I understand where this would get you upset. But I might be able to help. I was told that I have ADHD 5 years ago and I have taken everything. I understand your sons problems in school If he doesn't tale his meds. Don't let what others think or say bother you. It is your choice how to raise your son. You only want what is best for him . So if you think that he needs his meds keep him on them. write back to me. [e-mail]

Answer 6

my son was diagonised when he was five and I refused to put him on meds. I believed that him being five was way to young to be put on mind altering drugs. I tried for to years changing he's diet to all natural foods and going bi weekly to the chiropactor. Which they had very good benefits in other aspects like sleeping better and better moods but he was still having problems focusing and staying on task. In the second grade in was horrible off task 86% of the time and was falling way behind I finally said alright and gave in. I do believe that adhd and add is a easy target but their is kids that need the medication. My son is gaining some self confidence that I have never seen him have and is doing better in school. Yes it is hard to give him that pill in the morning, But he didn't ask for this. How did he feel everytime I yelled at him or his teacher to stayed focused and calm down, and him not knowing how to control this. Finding the right dosage is trying and can be very discouraging but once you and your doctor do it does make a difference. My son is on adderall in the morning 10 mg which I started in 1/4 intervals until me and his teacher got to the point where we where seeing improvments but not overdose side effects and he also takes a does of 25 mg of strattera at night. I do plan on when he gets older to encouarge him to help himself control his ablilty to stay on track. But right now meds and a good therapist is the only possiblity for him to benefit from school. Try not to blame yourself because this is not your fault this has nothing to do with bad parenting skills it's your childs brain waves I wish you luck and and hope you find your answer don't listen to the people around you listen to your son.

Answer 7

have you got a 2nd opinion? Are you sure its not something in his diet that is causing excitablity? The reason why I ask is my fiance has been on meds since middle school he is not almost 30. and he is so mentally dependant on the drug. He physically does not need it but if he doesnt take them he feels like he will not beable to function. It's sad because i talk to his dr and some months she puts him on a plicebo pill ( sugar pill) and he doesn't see a difference but its just a mental thing now. so definitly look for a second opinion because this drug is so quickly prescribed without looking at different alternatives. i hope this helps, but I understand where your cming from.... just think of what i said because he is only 5

Answer 8

You can tell them that you don't like the idea either, no parent wants to put their child on meds for life. You're his mother, it's your decision, and if medication is going to help your son succeed and have a calm life, then medication is what you're going to turn to. Who knows, maybe it won't be a long term thing. You definitely have your son's best interest in mind.

Answer 9

I agree with Jennifer H. Holistic medicine is a better and more natural approach. You may also want to be more vigilant of your son's diet. Avoid sugary cereals, snacks, and especially soda's and/or kid drinks, which are also loaded with sugar. Sugar has a direct effect on hyperactivity. My opinion is "no prescription drugs." They only help the symptoms, but not the cause. You must also consider the side-effects of prescription drugs administered to your young son. Regardless of what other people think, Mother's always know what's best for their children.

Answer 10

I had the same thing when my son was diagnosed. The thing is that you can't change their minds. If they keep on about it - you can tell them to drop the subject but I found that, now after some time, they dont bug me about it as much. I also don't have him around them when the medication has worn off in the afternoons/evenings so they only see him at his best. You are doing the right thing in medicating your son - remember the doctor knows best. - stick to your guns.
All the best with it.

Answer 11

My little bro had to be on meds for ADHD since he was 4. He was still incredibly overactive but he was able to get through school. At 14 my mom couldn't get him to take them anymore, and he started getting all d's and f's and even got kicked outta school. I say stick with it, though he might end up with A LOT of cavities, at least he will be able to function. Of course at the end of the day it is your child so tell everyone else to screw off, including me. It is your decision and no one can tell you what to do, including your mother-in-law. good luck!